Blue Jays fever is in the air with Toronto one victory away from winning the American League Championship Series (ALCS) — and fans are brimming with optimism ahead of a do-or-die Game 7 Monday night.
Compared to the sombre mood after a Game 1 loss a week earlier, Rogers Centre was ablaze Sunday night with ecstatic fans singing, cheering and chanting, “Let’s go Blue Jays!”
The Jays dominated the Seattle Mariners 6-2 in Game 6 of the ALCS, and now pitcher Shane Bieber starts for Game 7 with a spot in the World Series on the line. The action starts at 8:08 p.m. at Rogers Centre.
After a huge win in Game 6 fans were celebrating the efforts of the entire team, but especially rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage for his second start in a postseason game and sixth career start in the league.
“Vladdy’s the best, Yesavage was amazing, we can’t wait to be back tomorrow night,” said fan Jacob Benarroch after Sunday’s game. “Time for the World Series in Toronto, baby!”
Breaking down the Jays’ Game 6 win against the Mariners
For his 11-year-old son Adam, the standout moment of the game was a speedy double play by Yesavage, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andrés Giménez to take out two runners while bases were loaded in the top of the third inning.
Online fans called Yesavage a critical player to the Jays’ postseason victories with a start they wouldn’t forget for years to come.
Trey Yesavage still has his entire rookie season ahead of him. <br><br>It’s impossible to overstate how critical Yesavage has been to the Jays since he got called up. <br><br>They aren’t here without him. <br><br>What a start tonight – Jays fans will be talking about tonight 20 years from now.
Guerrero also got love from fans after he made Blue Jays history for tying the franchise record with six postseason home runs.
Outside Rogers Centre, excited fans told CBC News that Guerrero represents the future of the Blue Jays and where they are headed in the years to come.
Donte Robinson, a fan at Sunday’s game, said he had no doubt in the team winning Game 6 after taking the lead in the fourth inning.
“I believe the team has what it takes to take it all the way,” he said, adding manager John Schneider has helped change how the team plays.
Vlad, Jays force date with destiny—For the objective observer, this Blue Jays-Mariners series absolutely rips. Down 3-2, Toronto’s dominant 6-2 win in Game 6 last night was gritty. Trey Yesavage, the wunderkind prospect, was brilliant. <br><br>Tonight, we get Game 7! <a href=”https://t.co/HyP8tphjL7″>pic.twitter.com/HyP8tphjL7</a>
Robinson said he’s predicting the Jays will take on the Dodgers in another tense Game 7 for the World Series title.
Blue Jays fans across the country shared in that sentiment and were eager to see another home game victory for the team.
Happy Blue Jays advance to the World Series Day to all who celebrate.<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/WANTITALL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#WANTITALL</a>
If there’s one team that has a chance to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, it’s the Toronto Blue Jays.<br><br>Buckle up. <a href=”https://t.co/Ctujp9YhQS”>pic.twitter.com/Ctujp9YhQS</a>
The ALCS winner will face off against reigning champions the Los Angeles Dodgers in the upcoming finals. The Dodgers are rested after sweeping the National League Championship Series 4-0 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Fans in Toronto hoping to attend Monday’s game will have to dig deep into their wallets. Resale prices on Ticketmaster range from $340 to over $3,500 per ticket.
Over the weekend, Blue Jays owner Rogers held a giveaway for 500 free tickets at Game 7 of the ALCS through a pop-up “Dial the Dugout” station at The Eaton Centre. Fans were also able to enter a separate giveaway for 100 tickets by calling, texting or posting on social media.
Rogers said the winners of that contest will be selected before the game.
For those unable to get a hold of tickets, the City of Toronto is hosting a free outdoor viewing party at David Pecaut Square.
If the Blue Jays advance to the World Series, the city says viewing parties for all the games will take place at Nathan Phillips Square.
